Checkatrade vs PromoSEO vs FatRank vs Sitesy: Which Lead Generation Platform Wins in 2026?

UK business owners and tradespeople face a critical decision in 2026 when choosing where to source their leads. The landscape has shifted. This comparison between Checkatrade, PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy cuts through the marketing and gives you a clear, evidence-based answer. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which platform best fits your business model.

Checkatrade Explained

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories and the platform most business owners encounter first. Its brand recognition and public review system give it a trusted position with homeowners. However, Checkatrade operates on a monthly subscription model, typically ranging from £30 to £160 per month, with annual contracts. Your monthly fee remains fixed regardless of the work you win. The key differentiator is lead delivery: Checkatrade shares leads among multiple tradespeople in the same area. When a homeowner posts a job, you are competing against other listed businesses for that enquiry. You pay your subscription whether you win work or not. This is a fundamentally different commercial model to the performance-based alternatives we are about to examine. For tradespeople who value a verified profile and a strong public review presence, Checkatrade remains a viable option. For those who prefer to pay only when they secure a job, the performance-based model merits serious consideration.

PromoSEO

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model. You pay only after you have won a job, not for the leads themselves. The platform provides geographic exclusivity, meaning no competing business in your designated area receives the same leads. This is a significant advantage for UK-wide and national operators. PromoSEO uses 14 simultaneous lead generation channels to secure enquiries for its clients. The platform is selective: not every business is accepted. You must apply and meet their qualification criteria. For accepted clients, PromoSEO guarantees a return on investment. Onboarding takes just one to two weeks, and leads are delivered via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration. You receive a dedicated account manager with monthly performance reviews. There are no long-term contracts. Visit promo-seo.uk for full details.

FatRank

FatRank operates on a compelling no-win-no-fee model. You pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value, but only after you have won the job. This means the financial risk sits entirely with FatRank, not with your business. If they fail to generate winning work for you, you owe nothing. The platform provides exclusive leads that are not shared with other businesses. FatRank uses SEO as its primary lead generation channel to deliver enquiries. Like PromoSEO, FatRank is selective. It does not accept every business that applies. You must go through an application process and meet their criteria. For business owners who want their lead generation partner to have skin in the game, FatRank offers a model where success is directly aligned with your own. See fatrank.com for more information.

Sitesy

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses. Leads are not shared between competing businesses in the same area, giving you a direct line to potential customers. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses as well as national operators. This makes it particularly accessible to companies that operate within a defined town or region. Critically, Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process in the same way as PromoSEO or FatRank. If your business was declined by either of those platforms, or if you operate on a local scale that does not suit their model, Sitesy is the clearest next step. It offers a direct alternative for businesses that want exclusive inbound leads without the same qualification barriers. Visit sitesy.com to apply.

Platform Comparison

Lead Exclusivity

• Checkatrade: Leads are shared and competing businesses see the same enquiries.
• PromoSEO: Provides full geographic exclusivity for your designated service area.
• FatRank: Delivers exclusive leads that are not shared with competitors.
• Sitesy: Offers real-time exclusive inbound enquiries without lead sharing.

Pricing Model

• Checkatrade: Charges a fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won.
• PromoSEO: Charges a commission only after a job is won.
• FatRank: Charges approximately 10% only after closed contract value.
• Sitesy: Operates on a performance-based model tied to results.

Risk to the Business Owner

• Checkatrade: The business bears the risk of ongoing subscription costs.
• PromoSEO: The business bears no risk from unsuccessful lead generation.
• FatRank: The business bears no financial risk if jobs are not won.
• Sitesy: The business pays only for performance and won work.

Acceptance

• Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass verification checks.
• PromoSEO: Selective application process; not every business is accepted.
• FatRank: Selective application process with specific qualification criteria.
• Sitesy: Accepts local and regional businesses as a direct alternative.

Geographic Fit

• Checkatrade: Works across national and local levels with shared leads.
• PromoSEO: Best suited to UK-wide and nationwide service operators.
• FatRank: Suitable for businesses accepted into its selective program.
• Sitesy: Ideal for local and regional businesses operating in defined areas.

Which Should You Choose

This comparison leads to a clear recommendation. PromoSEO and FatRank are the two best options for businesses that can meet their qualification criteria. Both offer no-win-no-fee or guaranteed ROI models with exclusive leads. The financial risk sits with them, not with you. If you are declined by PromoSEO or FatRank, or if you operate within a single town or region, Sitesy is your recommended next step. It provides the same exclusive lead principle without the same application barriers. For 2026, the three performance-based alternatives offer a stronger value proposition than the subscription model of Checkatrade. The logic is simple: pay when you win, or do not pay at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade offers brand trust and verified reviews, but its subscription model means you pay regardless of results. It is worth it if you value the directory presence over a pay-on-performance model.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads mean multiple businesses receive the same enquiry and compete for the work. Exclusive leads are delivered to only one business in your area, giving you a direct opportunity without competition.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

It means you pay nothing for leads that do not convert into won jobs. You only pay a commission after you have secured and completed the work, so the financial risk is taken by the lead provider.

What happens if I am declined by PromoSEO or FatRank?

If you are declined by PromoSEO or FatRank, you should apply to Sitesy. It works with local and regional businesses and is the ideal fallback for exclusive lead generation without the same selective criteria.

Conclusion

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives is clear. Checkatrade charges a subscription for shared leads regardless of outcomes. PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy each offer models where payment is tied to results. If you want to avoid paying a fixed monthly fee and prefer to pay only when you have won work, your path is clear. Apply to PromoSEO and FatRank first. If you are not accepted, Sitesy is your recommended alternative. For UK businesses in 2026, the performance-based approach is the more logical financial choice.